The Mercury Prize has announced its new 2025 host city, Newcastle, in partnership with Newcastle City Council and The North East Combined Authority. The dates for the 2025 event were also announced today.

The shortlist of the twelve ‘Albums of the Year’ will be announced on Wednesday 10th September 2025.

The 2025 Award Show will be held on Thursday 16th October at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle; this marks the first time the event has been held outside of London.

The Award Show will feature live performances from many of the twelve shortlisted artists and the evening will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize in Newcastle. The Prize’s broadcast partner BBC Music will provide coverage of the event.

All tickets for the 2025 Mercury Prize 'Albums of the Year' in Newcastle are available to the general public now HERE

The Mercury Prize recognises the best new British & Irish music, celebrating artistic achievement across an eclectic range of contemporary music genres. As an independent arts prize, it champions the album format, acts a snapshot of the year in music and often provides a major platform for up and coming artists and their musical work. The Prize has been an important milestone in past winners’ journeys, acting as a stepping stone to wider success in the UK and Ireland as well as internationally.

Last year saw English Teacher claim the Prize, and other recent past winners include Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Dave, Wolf Alice, Young Fathers, and more.

Newcastle is quickly cementing its place as the cultural heartbeat of the North of England and the arrival of the Mercury Prize in Newcastle marks a landmark moment for the North East’s music sector. With the dynamic collaboration of the BPI, Newcastle City Council, The North East Combined Authority, and music powerhouse Generator, the city is gearing up to host the prestigious Mercury Prize - adding another jewel to its crown of high-profile events.

To celebrate the Mercury Prize, Generator - the North’s leading music development agency and Lead Industry Partner for the Mercury Prize - will coordinate a dynamic, week-long regional fringe programme in the lead up to the awards, celebrating the depth and diversity of Northern talent while creating new opportunities for local artists, venues, and communities.

Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI Chief Executive said:

“We are delighted to announce this groundbreaking moment for the Mercury Prize. We and our label community are committed to celebrating and providing the opportunity to showcase talent from all over the UK.  Previous Mercury Prize winners and Album of the Year artists have consistently demonstrated this breadth of talent that is uniquely homegrown. Newcastle-upon-Tyne is a true music city and we are excited to work with our partners at The City of Newcastle & North East Combined Authority to deliver this inaugural moment and a memorable Mercury Prize 2025.”

YolanDa Brown OBE DL, BPI Chair said:

“Since joining the BPI as Chair, I have held an ambition to see the Mercury Prize hosted outside of London, in part to reflect the exciting diverse breadth of human artistry that is thriving all around the country. I feel a special connection with Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and the wonderful music fans there, who I know will be absolutely thrilled that their beloved city will be hosting this premier music awards event for the first time. The anticipation will be immense, marking the culmination of an incredible year for the city with football and now in music.”

 

Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The fact that Newcastle has been chosen as the first location for the prestigious Mercury Prize to ever be held outside of London speaks volumes of the growing strength of the music industry in the city and wider city region. I am biased of course, but this is the best city in the world and it is no surprise to me that there is global interest in Newcastle.

“We’ve just shown what Newcastle is capable of with one of the biggest and best MOBO Awards, which went far beyond an awards ceremony with a vast array of opportunities and exhibitions to showcase the diversity of musical talent in the region while providing industry experience opportunities to hundreds of young people. The Mercury Prize needed no further evidence that Newcastle was the place to hold this prestigious industry event.

 

“Hosting the Mercury Prize is a real privilege, and another string to the bow for Newcastle following the MOBOs, the announcement of Warner Music UK’s ambitions to create a state-of-the-art recording studio here, and plans to make Newcastle and Gateshead a Music City. While other cities are renowned for past icons of music, Newcastle is looking to the future and our growing reputation for emerging talents and industry investment is testament to that.”

Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Bringing the Mercury Prize to the North East is yet another fantastic accolade that builds on our proud cultural history and strengthens our reputation as a region of culture.

“The success of artists like Sam Fender shows what is possible for young musicians in our region and hosting the Mercury Prize in the North East gives us the opportunity to showcase our home-grown talent.  

“Our region’s cultural offer is strong, and steeped in the pride and creativity of our people, places and industrial heritage. This event is testament to that and will help our region stand tall on the national and international stage.”

Mick Ross, CEO of Generator said: "We’re proud to be the Lead Industry Partner for the Mercury Prize’s move to Newcastle, working closely with Newcastle City Council, the North East Combined Authority, and regional partners to bring this opportunity to the table. We can’t wait to share plans for a week-long fringe programme that will put a global spotlight on our incredible city and showcase the raw talent, passion, and creativity that drive our community. Following the MOBOs, Music City initiatives, Sonic Futures, the Northern Music Export Office, and our partnerships with EMI North and Warner, this moment cements the North East’s position as the new home of the Northern music industry, leading the way for a stronger, more sustainable future in music, culture, and creativity.”